Canton, OH- On Friday, the Malone University baseball team aimed to continue their winning streak following their successful weekend at Hillsdale.

The Pioneers didn't find the success they aimed for in the series opening doubleheader, as they were swept by Ohio Dominican.


The Essentials

• Game 1: Ohio Dominican 6 - Malone 1
• Game 2: Ohio Dominican 5 - Malone 4
• Records: Malone (6-33, 3-21 G-MAC) | Ohio Dominican (20-16, 11-9 G-MAC)
• Loaction: Canton, OH | Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium

Game One
Jackson Phelps took the mound for the start and immediately had the Panther hitters off balance. In the fourth inning, ODU posed a threat with two runners on and only one out, but Phelps calmly guided the Pioneers through the inning unscathed, ensuring they didn't concede a run.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, despite a single to left center by Zach Flohr,  Malone failed to score as they left Flohr stranded on third base after two consecutive groundouts and a flyout to right field. The Panthers surged ahead during the top of the sixth inning, as an RBI single to center field propelled them to a 1-0 lead.

Once again, Malone found themselves in a threatening position with Charlie Roberts positioned at third base, but once more they were unable to bring a run across home plate, leaving the score unchanged at 1-0. 

In the top of the 7th, Ohio Dominican took charge with a triple that scored two runs. Malone responded in the bottom with Allen Diaz bringing in a run off of his RBI single making the score 3-1. 

In the ninth, the Panthers added three more runs. Malone couldn't recover, ending the game 6-1 in favor of Ohio Dominican.

Game Two
Malone struck first in the bottom of the 1st inning, with Zach Flohr's double down the left-field line bringing in the first run, followed by Jake Aleman's double to center field, extending their lead to 2-0. 

However, Ohio Dominican quickly responded in the top of the 2nd inning. A single and a hit-by-pitch allowed them to load the bases before Matt McFadden's monumental homer down the left-field line drove in three runs, putting Ohio Dominican ahead 3-2.

The Pioneers managed to level the score in the bottom of the 2nd inning with a sacrifice fly by Chris Maley, bringing in a run. This  game continued to be a back-and-forth affair. ODU regained the lead in the top of the 3rd inning with a fielder's choice play, making the score 4-3.

Both teams showed strong defensive performances in the following innings, limiting scoring opportunities for their opponents. The Panthers  added an insurance run in the top of the 5th inning, courtesy of a sacrifice fly, extending their lead to 5-3.

Malone fought back once more in the bottom of the 6th inning, scoring a run on a sacrifice fly by Charlie Roberts, closing the gap to 5-4. However, Ohio Dominican's pitching and defense held firm in the final innings, securing the 5-4 victory.

Details

• Zach Flohr finished the day 3-6 (.500) with 1 RBi and 2 runs scored
• Jake Aleman collected 2 hits, 1 RBi, and scored a run in game 2
• Charlie Roberts was 2-5 for the day with an RBI
• Jackson Phelps tossed 6Ks in game one

What's Next
Malone will be back in action on Sunday to close out the series with ODU. The Pioneers will honor their 11 seniors.

The first pitch is scheduled for 1:00 PM

FOLLOW THE PIONEERS
To keep up to date with everything surrounding the Malone University athletic programs this year follow the Pioneers on Twitter and Instagram, like Malone University Athletics on Facebook or visit www.malonepioneers.com.